Hey Greenpointers, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of summer left to go out and get your ‘beach’ on. Grab your helmet and hit the bike lanes to your Brooklyn tropical paradise.

If you’re sitting in your cube staring outside wondering when you get to go out and play, on your next day off make sure you have these thrown in your bag:

Beach Mat

These trendy little bamboo mats are the best for the beach. They are pretty durable and super inexpensive. They can be found at most dollar and discount drug stores this season. They last a while as long as you take care

of them and they keep your beach towel from getting super sandy.

Cheap Read

Why pay full price for books when there’s ebay? You can get used books for as low as 99 cents. Or, hit a local stoop sale and bargain away. Trade books with friends or hit the Salvation Army on Driggs Avenue. Here’s a crazy idea; go to the library – it’s free!

NYC Cycling Map

Free at any bike shop in Brooklyn, such as NYC Bikes at 140 Havemeyer Street or BS Bikes at 262 Driggs Avenue. Or download it here.

Ziplocs

Do yourself a favor and put you ID/money/credit card in a Ziploc bag. If/when perhaps you’ve had a few beers and run into the ocean, your metro card still works.

Water Bottle

A once ‘free with purch’ at your local bank or car dealership has graduated to the big leagues of water purification. A good suggestion: Aquamira Sport Bottle with filter-a wise investment for those who enjoy regular hydration free of toxins and impurities. Only $12.99 at www.campsaver.com.

Cooler

Be a hit at the beach or the next rooftop party with one of these soft coolers from igloo-store.com. Think of it as an investment like luggage. You’ll have it forever as it comes with a ‘cold beverage for life’ guarantee. Throw some in some cheap eats and you’re a hot commodity in the sand.